I was talking with a customer earlier today. She wants to make something for a friend but doesn't have time to make a quilt so I suggested she try a pillow. I received a custom pillow as a gift from a good friend last year and love it, so I suggested this may be a pretty sure bet if she makes one. The custom pillow design does not have to be complicated, here the details of my custom pillow gift to give you some inspiration.

At first glance, this is a basic 16x16-inch accent pillow but look closer.

My friend didn't know I collect vintage postcards with cats so I loved the center block. See the little ribbon edging she added?

A center block with a special photo or print of something special easily makes this pillow custom. You can add complimentary fabric border and be done, or you can also add some quilting.

This custom pillow also has quilted leaves around the red and white fabric.

If you like to quilt, even basic stitches, you can add some details by quilting around the center block.

My friend also added a little quilted pattern in each of the pillow corners.

Quilting in each of the custom pillow corners add a nice details.

The lace edging was a nice touch but not necessary if you don't have any handy. You can also make a white edging out of folded fabric, then pulled into a ruffle with a large machine stitch.

Another place you can customize is the back of the pillow.

Custom quilt backing can be of a complimentary fabric.

I have this pillow out on my sofa where I can see it and be reminded of the good friend who made it for me.

This customer lost her husband but wanted to give her two daughters a memento of their Dad. The girls remembered Dad going to work every day so we turned the family collection of ties into made to order custom decorative pillows.

Because these are delicate silk ties, we stabilized the blocks so the silk won't tear under wear and hugging.